Marcus Murphy was unsure what his role would be coming into this season.
In fact, nobody was entirely sure what Murphy’s role would be.
“I think I’ll play some receiver and get some carries in the backfield at the same time,” Murphy said following Missouri’s final fall scrimmage last month. “I think it’ll just go with the game plan for that weekend.”
Two games into Mizzou’s season, there might be an answer.
In Mizzou’s opening victory over South Dakota State, Murphy had 12 offensive touches. Nine of those touches — 75 percent — came rushing the ball, while the other three were receptions. Murphy finished with 54 yards on the ground and 20 yards receiving, and head coach Gary Pinkel liked what he saw.
“He looks so good out there at running back and at receiver,” Pinkel said. “We’re just trying to be smart about what we do with him.”
In Saturday’s 49-24 drubbing of Toledo, Murphy played a similar role, picking up 16 offensive touches with 81 percent coming on the ground. Murphy totaled 56 rushing yards on 13 carries. He added three receptions for 41 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Murphy, a senior, seems to be developing into this 3:1 ratio between the backfield and out wide quite nicely, and it has brought early-season success to the team. Mizzou has opened the season 2-0 and holds a top 50 rushing attack, and a top 50 offensive efficiency rating.
Murphy is also the team’s top kickoff and punt returner. He took one kick back 102 yards against South Dakota State in the opener and leads the nation in kickoff return average (49.3 yards).
“He’s just got that ‘it’ factor,” Pinkel said. “He senses the right things to do, and you can’t coach that.”
There’s no telling if Murphy’s role will change throughout the season, but he looks very comfortable out there right now.
On Monday afternoon, the Week Three depth chart was released. Murphy was moved atop the chart at tailback for the first time this season. In prior weeks, Murphy had been listed as option 1-A to junior Russell Hansbrough.
“When we look at two guys that are very close and one plays a little bit better, we’ll move him up,” Pinkel said. “But both guys are going to play.”